Oct 24 - Jhb South East
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JOBURG SOUTH • ALBERTON • BEDFORDVIEW<br />
•<br />
GREENSTONE • MODDERFONTEIN<br />
Uncover the<br />
best kept<br />
Italian secret<br />
A refreshing look<br />
at alternative<br />
decor trends<br />
WIN!<br />
A rosy fragrance<br />
from Lacoste<br />
LIFE IS A PARTY<br />
Celebrate sunny days with sweet treats<br />
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />
OCTOBER 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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GIS1004_002_42255997.indd 2 20<strong>24</strong>/09/18 09:29:06
GET IT<br />
Editorial<br />
Instagram: @getitjoburgsoutheast<br />
Facebook: @getitjoburgsoutheast<br />
Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-south<br />
Pinterest: Get It<br />
National Group Editor and National Sales<br />
Kym Argo<br />
kyma@caxton.co.za<br />
Facebook and Instagram:<br />
Get It National Magazines<br />
Website: getitmagazine.co.za<br />
Editor Carina van der Walt<br />
albertongetit1@caxton.co.za<br />
083 411 7146<br />
Sub-editor Riaan Engelbrecht<br />
Contributors Alice Coetzee<br />
Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett<br />
Layout Artist<br />
Shanet Moodley<br />
Design Studio<br />
JP Du Preez<br />
Mojalefa Nthutang<br />
Sales Manager<br />
Roxanne Cooper 072 821 0910<br />
roxannec@caxton.co.za<br />
Distribution<br />
12 000 copies monthly<br />
Get It JHB <strong>South</strong><strong>East</strong> is distributed free<br />
of charge. For a full list contact<br />
charmaine@caxton.co.za<br />
Competition rules<br />
The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />
transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions<br />
are not open to the sponsors or Caxton<br />
employees or their families. Get It Magazine<br />
reserves the right to publish the names of<br />
winners, who will be contacted telephonically<br />
and need to collect their prizes from Caxton<br />
Joburg <strong>South</strong><strong>East</strong> branch within 10 days or<br />
they will be forfeited. Prizewinners names are<br />
published on our Facebook page monthly.<br />
contents<br />
WHY DON’T YOU<br />
4 Lace up for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi or simply pitch up<br />
and support one of many deserving causes this month<br />
6 Opt for some me-time and enjoy some of the best reads out there<br />
WISH LIST<br />
8 From candles to a recipe book, organic wine and comfy sandals (all natural<br />
of course), we give you plenty of reason to celebrate your garden<br />
SOCIALS<br />
10 Good music, great food and tasty gins at the <strong>East</strong> Rand Gin Festival<br />
11 A spectacular affair of fashion, creativity and heart at fashion<br />
show for children with cancer<br />
PEOPLE<br />
12 Tucked away in Modderfontein, we’ve discovered Buonissimo! and chat<br />
to the partners about their almost 200 year legacy<br />
FASHION AND BEAUTY<br />
14 Summer is looking pretty good with these must haves<br />
16 Find the right frame for your face shape<br />
FOOD<br />
18 Young chef Matt Labuschagne spills the beans on living<br />
and working abroad<br />
20 Chef Mynhart Joubert shares three of the cake recipes closest to his heart<br />
DECOR<br />
<strong>24</strong> Something fun and playful - just what you need to express<br />
your individuality!<br />
GARDENING<br />
26 It is all about colourful blooms and sunny days<br />
TRAVEL<br />
30 A visit to Thailand on your bucket list? Now is the time to<br />
spread your wings!<br />
31 Travel tips for those considering to go it solo<br />
32 Thanda Safari may be in the middle of nowhere but wait until<br />
you see what’s on offer!<br />
WIN<br />
28 R8000 worth of paint from Prominent Paints<br />
34 A rosy fragrance from Lacoste could be yours<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
COVER<br />
Photographed by - Afterglow Photography<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 3<br />
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A hot date!<br />
Great events to support worthy causes lined up for you!<br />
06<br />
If you haven’t already, make sure to<br />
mark your calendar for the SPAR Women’s<br />
Challenge Jozi. It’s going to be a<br />
day filled with empowerment, camaraderie,<br />
and loads of fun. This year’s event<br />
features a 5km Fun Run and a 10km<br />
walk or run, perfect for all fitness levels.<br />
The theme #ChooseYou focuses on<br />
self-empowerment, self-care, and inspiring<br />
others. This theme encourages<br />
every participant to prioritise their own<br />
well-being, chase their dreams, and<br />
uplift the women around them. From<br />
8am at Marks Park Sports Club. R160<br />
per person from sparwomensjozi.co.za<br />
Org Meyer Voortrekkers are once<br />
05 again at the forefront of painting<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober pink - with a twist that is. With<br />
this, the Voortrekkers are throwing out<br />
the challenge to all men to join in their<br />
Paint it Pink Challenge. Are you man<br />
enough to paint a pink ribbon on your<br />
nails? Why not sign up on Org Meyer<br />
Voortrekkers and challenge your friends<br />
to do it with you? The challenge which<br />
runs through <strong>Oct</strong>ober challenges<br />
men and women to paint their nails<br />
pink. Take part and dare others to join.<br />
Details: admin@orgmeyer.co.za<br />
The Alberton SPCA receives an average of 200 animals each month, yet it<br />
17 faces severe limitations in space and resources, with only 58 dog kennels<br />
and 11 cat kennels available. The growing demand for their services has put<br />
immense pressure on the organisation, highlighting the urgent need for more<br />
kennels and upgraded facilities. Come show your support during Alberton<br />
SPCA’s fundraising golf day. The Alberton SPCA will be hosting their Build-a-<br />
Kennel Golf Day on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 17 at Reading Country Club. The format of the<br />
golf day is a Betterball Stableford with a shotgun start at 11am. Cost is R600 per<br />
player which excludes golf cart but includes green fees, R50 halfway voucher,<br />
dinner and loads of prizes. Hole sponsorships range from R2 000 to R5 000.<br />
Enter now and help the SPCA to help animals in need. Details: Marietjie on 082<br />
337 5713 or email samcth60@gmail.com, alternatively, or Lauren on 082 339 6330 or<br />
via email at fundraising@spcaalberton.org.za<br />
Diagnostic Radiological Services Inc. is hosting a Breast Cancer Run<br />
18 and Walk Awareness Campaign on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 19. The goal of the breast<br />
cancer awareness movement is to dispel the stigma associated with breast<br />
cancer symptoms and treatments while raising public awareness of the disease.<br />
The event will take place at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton,<br />
from 10am. Tickets for adults cost R100, R80 for children between three to 18<br />
years and free for kids under two years. Funds will be donated to Siyabonga<br />
Children’s Home and Door of Hope. Details: Cloudine Moss on 011 869 4530 or<br />
cloudinem@radiologysa.co.za.<br />
You are invited to Laerskool Orion’s <strong>Oct</strong>ober Festival to celebrate the<br />
school’s 20th birthday. Festivities will take place on the school grounds, Toinette<br />
Street, Alberton on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 25. The school extends a special invitation to alumni.<br />
With a great line-up of artists this promises to be the reunion of all reunions.<br />
Piesangskille will make an appearance as the main artists for the day. Tickets<br />
are available at R250 for adults, R150 for high school learners and R50 for<br />
primary school learners. A cooler box fee of R100 will be payable at the gates.<br />
Details: Tixsa<br />
25<br />
4 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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12<br />
The countdown is on for the Joburg<br />
run of multiple award-winning My<br />
Name Is Lucy Barton. Following its<br />
premiere at the Hilton Arts Festival to<br />
rapturous responses and standing ovations,<br />
My Name Is Lucy Barton will be<br />
heading to Joburg for a limited season<br />
at Theatre on the Square from <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
9 to 27. Presented by How Now Brown<br />
Cow, the multiple award-winning<br />
My Name Is Lucy Barton is written<br />
by Elizabeth Strout and adapted by<br />
Rona Munro. It is the story of a writer<br />
reckoning with the legacy of a scarred<br />
family life who is coming to terms with<br />
the cost of her childhood and the rewards<br />
of her art. Longlisted for the Man<br />
Booker Prize 2016, the Baileys Women’s<br />
Prize for Fiction 2016 and a #1 New York<br />
Times bestseller, Pulitzer prize winner<br />
Elizabeth Strout shows the most tender<br />
relationship of all – the one between a<br />
mother and daughter. My Name Is Lucy<br />
Barton has been adapted for the stage<br />
as a one woman show by acclaimed<br />
TV, film and theatre writer Rona Munro<br />
(winner of the Evening Standard Award,<br />
NOOK Award and the Writers’ Guild<br />
of Great Britain Award). It opened at<br />
The Bridge Theatre in London in 2018<br />
starring Laura Linney who reprised her<br />
role on Broadway in 2020. My Name is<br />
Lucy Barton is a story for anyone who<br />
has questioned how family defines<br />
oneself. It is a powerful narrative of<br />
hope and triumph of a woman who<br />
finds her truth and reclaims her story.<br />
Performances are Tuesdays to Fridays at<br />
7.30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 7.30pm<br />
and Sundays at 3pm. Not suggested for<br />
U12s. Details: Computicket.<br />
Join <strong>South</strong> Africa United Against Cancer (SAUAC) for the Wellness Walk<br />
Against Cancer 20<strong>24</strong>. SAUAC is a non-profit organisation based in the south<br />
of Johannesburg. It endeavours to bring in a paradigm change in the approach<br />
towards prevention of cancer by developing new communication and advocacy<br />
methods, and generating new knowledge on cancers through appropriate<br />
awareness. Not only is this a fundraiser but also a walk to promote cancer<br />
awareness and provide education regarding community resources, while<br />
acknowledging those who have<br />
lost loved ones to different types<br />
of cancer. The walk will take place<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 27 at Rietvlei Zoo farm,<br />
101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton.<br />
The event will start at 8am. Don’t<br />
miss this opportunity to be part<br />
of a meaningful event that brings<br />
people together for a common<br />
cause. Let’s walk, support, and<br />
27<br />
inspire each other in the fight<br />
against cancer. Details: Contact<br />
069 556 7058 or email events@sauac.<br />
org or Khethiwe.m@sauac.org<br />
This <strong>Oct</strong>ober you are invited to make a special visit to Stepping Stone Hospice<br />
& Care Services’ Charity Shop and show your support. The organisation is<br />
totally reliant upon the generosity of the community, public sector, fundraising,<br />
bequests, donations in lieu of flowers, patient accounts and the sale of<br />
second-hand clothing and goods. They treat everyone that qualifies despite<br />
their financial and social circumstances. The impact of donations to their charity<br />
shop and the sale of these items can never be underestimated as it makes up<br />
at least 60% of the shortfall on their annual budgeted income. Whether you<br />
donate your second-hand goods or buy from them, it all adds up and helps to<br />
keep the hospice’s doors open. The shop welcomes an array of items, including<br />
household furniture, general bric-a-brac, clothing, linen, appliances, crockery,<br />
cutlery, glassware, books, sporting equipment and more. The shop is open<br />
from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. Details:<br />
010 442 5201/5059.<br />
29<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 5<br />
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Book club<br />
A handful of the best books on the shelves this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
Set in the 1970s in a summer camp<br />
in the Adirondack mountains, The<br />
God of the Woods is part mystery,<br />
part family drama. When a girl goes<br />
missing from the camp, it’s tragic. But<br />
the fact that she’s gone missing in the<br />
same woods as her young brother<br />
did 14 years ago makes it somewhat<br />
suspicious. The boy was never found,<br />
the locals didn’t all agree with the<br />
person finally found guilty, stories are<br />
murky and characters not all terribly<br />
likeable. Liz Moore’s book is brilliantly<br />
thrilling, couldn’t put it down! The<br />
Borough Press • An all-female boarding<br />
house. A new glam and mysterious<br />
arrival. Unlikely friendships. Add one<br />
deadly secret and an unexpected<br />
shocking act of violence and you’ve<br />
a thrilling read ... The Brair Club by<br />
Kate Quinn - queen of historical<br />
fiction. Harper Collins<br />
6 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
‘The exact number of German women raped during the dying days of<br />
world war two is unknown, but it is possibly as high as 2 million (and<br />
many were raped multiple times).’ So writes Josie Ferguson, whose<br />
incredible debut novel The Silence In Between is dedicated to ‘those<br />
whose stories deserved to be heard’. A heart-breaking historical fiction<br />
story of family, fear, hope and the atrocities of war. The story opens on<br />
August 12, 1961. Lisette’s baby is ill, and she’s left him overnight in a<br />
hospital in the West, going home to her home in the <strong>East</strong> to get clean<br />
clothes and some rest. When she wakes, early on August 13, everything’s<br />
changed. Overnight, the border between <strong>East</strong> and West Berlin has been<br />
closed. And there’s no way she can get to her child. From this shattering<br />
start, the tale jumps to and from 1961, with Lisette’s teenage daughter,<br />
Elly, desperately trying to find a way to get her baby brother back and<br />
hopefully receive the love she longs for from her mother, and 1938, and<br />
what Lisette and her family endured through the war. It’s fiction based on<br />
fact … and the most far-fetched events which are seemingly unrealistic<br />
are all horribly true. As the author points out, the <strong>East</strong> West border was<br />
closed overnight. Rape victims offered themselves to a single officer so<br />
as to escape multiple rapes. Hitler Youth members really did hand out<br />
cyanide pills, and husbands were separated from wives, mothers from<br />
babies. It’s not an easy read, but it’s beautifully written, compelling, and<br />
will stay with you long, long after you turn the last page. Penguin<br />
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Home interiors influencer Elle’s<br />
life is the envy of thousands. And<br />
when her producers tell her about<br />
a dilapidated chateau in the French<br />
countryside, she’s delighted. Social<br />
media content of sprawling vineyards<br />
and tasteful interiors will surely take<br />
attention away from the cracks that<br />
are beginning to show in her life,<br />
and the risk of past secrets being<br />
revealed. After all, it’s what’s in front of<br />
the cameras that’s important. As she<br />
well knows, dark and dirty behindthe-scenes<br />
flaws can be filtered out.<br />
Amanda Cassidy’s The Perfect Place ...<br />
a first-class thriller. Canelo<br />
From John Boyne - author of The Boy<br />
in the Striped Pyjamas, , the second in<br />
his four interlinked novels named<br />
after the elements. The first, Water,<br />
looked at a wife’s complicity in her<br />
husband’s sexual abuse of minors.<br />
This second book, Earth, , is about two<br />
football players on trial. One accused<br />
of rape. The other an accessory ... who,<br />
as the trial unfolds, reflects on the<br />
events in his life that have led him to<br />
this moment. A beautifully written,<br />
haunting read. Penguin<br />
The Paris Muse is the story of Dora<br />
Maar and Pablo Picasso’s love affair<br />
... dubbed the greatest love affair in<br />
art history. It’s the story about Dora<br />
- artist, creative genius and muse<br />
- who inspired some of Picasso’s<br />
greatest work. And their love affair<br />
that destroyed her. Author Louisa<br />
Treger says the book is based on the<br />
biographical facts of Dora’s life, but is a<br />
work of fiction ... she’s taken liberty with<br />
facts, characterisations an particularly<br />
chronologies. Bloomsbury Publishing<br />
All books available at<br />
Exclusive Books<br />
The recently released 2023 La Motte<br />
Chardonnay’s nectarine and citrus<br />
fruit flavours are complemented<br />
by hints of cashew nut and freshly<br />
baked bread. A polished, medium-full<br />
wine with exceptional freshness and<br />
a lively length. Really food-friendly<br />
... superb with creamy cheese and<br />
egg dishes (think quiche and soufflé),<br />
subtle spice and curry dishes and<br />
for those splashing out, with caviar,<br />
snails, crayfish and mussels. R170<br />
from la-motte.com.<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 7<br />
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Wish list<br />
Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />
Great recipes and a good cause. It’s<br />
all win win with the launch of Love<br />
Lives Here - Vegan Food from a Farm<br />
Sanctuary. . Compiled by Rima Geffen, it’s<br />
a collection of recipes from volunteers at<br />
Greyton Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit<br />
farm animal rescue centre, which provides<br />
a home for more than 250 animals.<br />
Volunteers from around the world - from<br />
Azerbaijan to Zambia - spend time at the<br />
sanctuary to help with the animals’ care.<br />
Every evening, the visiting and resident<br />
caregivers take turns to cook a shared meal<br />
... and so this carefully curated selection of<br />
volunteers’ favourite recipes was born. R350,<br />
with a percentage of the profits going to<br />
the sanctuary. Rockhopper Books<br />
From seed to celebration!<br />
Garden Day is an annual day of<br />
celebration by <strong>South</strong> Africans in<br />
honour of our gardens and green<br />
spaces. It’s a day to show off our<br />
hard work and relish the joy gardens<br />
bring to our communities and lives.<br />
On Sunday, <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20 join in the<br />
green fun. Plant something. Wear a<br />
flower crown. Throw a garden party.<br />
It could be a lavish lunch on the lawn,<br />
platters on the patio, or tea for two<br />
under your fave tree. The Garden<br />
Day crew have plenty of materials to<br />
help you prepare for the day ... from<br />
posters to customisable invitations<br />
and guidelines to make your own<br />
flower crown ... visit the Toolkit tab<br />
on gardenday.co.za. On the day, share<br />
your garden party pics on social media<br />
#GardenDaySA.<br />
Key lime and Tuberose<br />
and Gardenia. A gorgeous<br />
floral collection from<br />
Sh’Zen. Cleansing gel with<br />
vanilla and ginger (R259),<br />
luxury soy massage candle<br />
(R349) and Sparkling Mist<br />
with neroli and Mandarin<br />
(R239), from shzen.co.za<br />
8 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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Famer Angus organic wine<br />
Farmer Angus is Spier Wine<br />
Farm’s new flagship organic<br />
wine range ... a collection<br />
which is the fruit of a shared<br />
journey between the farm’s<br />
award winning winemaking<br />
team and Angus McIntosh,<br />
a passionate champion of<br />
regenerative agriculture who not only calls Spier his home<br />
but is also renowned for his commitment to ethically farmed<br />
meat, chicken, and pork. At the heart of these wines lies a<br />
profound respect for the soil and its role in nurturing healthy<br />
vines and exceptional grapes. Regenerative agriculture is his<br />
life’s work, Angus says, adding he believes all health stems from<br />
the soil. The range, made with grapes grown without synthetic<br />
herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilisers, has three limitedrelease<br />
wines. Farmer Angus Chenin Blanc - all butterscotch<br />
and apricots, followed by a palate of citrus and caramel, it<br />
pairs perfectly with prosciutto (R595); a vibrant, freshing rosé<br />
showcasing strawberry and vanilla on the nose, with strawberry<br />
and coriander on the palate (R495), and Farmer Angus Red<br />
Blend - a classic Stellenbosch Red Blend boasting a nose of<br />
blackberry and chocolate, complemented by a palate of vanilla<br />
and blackcurrant, brilliant with a grass-fed beef steak (R695). Love<br />
the labels, too ... Angus used the vine leaves he collected from<br />
the very vines that make these wines in the label design. His<br />
mother taught him this leaf-rubbing art form as a boy, he shares,<br />
saying it connects the wines right back to their origins among<br />
the vines. Buy online from spier.co.za<br />
Let’s keep things real. Sustainable sandals for<br />
Summer. Made from recycled materials, these<br />
sandals are vegan, colourfast, and designed<br />
to last. As they would be, since at the heart of<br />
Nomadic State of Mind is a commitment to<br />
preserving both the planet and the people who<br />
call it home. The company’s journey began in<br />
a 1969 VW van, which embodied the nomadic<br />
state of mind, a concept that still resonates today<br />
– whether you’re walking, driving, exploring<br />
the web, or venturing into new territories. Get<br />
these original six strap light weight, adjustable,<br />
super comfortable JC rope sandals for R1865 on<br />
nomadicstateofmind.za.com<br />
Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 9<br />
GIS1004_008_17593591.indd 9 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:32:42
Set the mood<br />
for Spring<br />
Ekurhuleni residents came out in droves to<br />
support the <strong>East</strong> Rand Gin Festival at Emperors<br />
Palace’s Red Roman Shed. Visitors enjoyed<br />
the live entertainment and some of the tasty<br />
refreshments on offer, which included a wide<br />
variety of food, gin, brandy, wine, rum, ciders,<br />
cocktails and craft beers. Held for the third time<br />
at the Palace of Dreams, festival-goers were spoilt<br />
for choice with numerous stands to visit. Festivalgoers<br />
were also treated to performances by Easy<br />
Freak, Leo Sonskyn, Georgetown, Lee Cole, The<br />
Dookies, The Hound Dogs, with legendary SA<br />
band Watershed closing out the day.<br />
Lerato Busa and<br />
Naledi Dube<br />
Cortni Jordaan and<br />
Madelaine Dick<br />
Donald Rowe and Theresa Thiele<br />
Dionne and Paul Dyer<br />
Craig Hinds<br />
Marius and Carin Schlebusch and<br />
Charmain and Charl Slabbert<br />
Bronwyn Macfarlane and<br />
Sylvia Vermaak<br />
Dina, Lee, Scott, Aby and Jade<br />
Danielle, Bronwyn, Janine,<br />
Audrey and Claudette<br />
10 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_010_16712076.indd 10 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:33:27
Amiee Wharam and<br />
Savannah Whiting<br />
Christél Rosslee-Venter and<br />
Reutia Human<br />
Madison Waldeck<br />
and Tayla Alfonso<br />
Glam it up for<br />
the little ones<br />
The sun came out to play in Alberton during the Sunset Gala<br />
fashion show and the ladies feasted their eyes on stunning<br />
fashion during the charity event hosted in aid of Stepping Stone<br />
Hospice & Care Service. Hosted by Alberton Women’s Club, the<br />
spectacular occasion featured Nadia May Bridal Couture and<br />
Carien Couture, modelled by Figures Models Alberton. Proceeds<br />
from the event were presented to Stepping Stone Hospice & Care<br />
Services’ children’s unit, the Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient<br />
Unit, which recently opened its doors at 12 Glen Albyn Street in<br />
Raceview. Mrs Africa Classic 2019, Laurette Marais, also took to the<br />
stage to present an inspirational talk.<br />
Jean and Santie Wharam<br />
Landi and Ciska<br />
Bezuidenhout<br />
Back: Omphile<br />
Mkhize, Felicity<br />
Macandza,<br />
Londiwe Dlamini<br />
and Skyler Beukes.<br />
Front: Anesipho<br />
Romorumo<br />
Back: Vinette Otto, Brenda van Zyl, Bets Ellis and<br />
Hendrien Minnie. Front: Hester Barnard and Elize Muller<br />
Elanza de Villiers, Tersia Burger<br />
and Nicolien Venter<br />
Kaylee Boshoff<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 11<br />
GIS1004_011_20716200.indd 11 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:34:22
A famiglia<br />
affair<br />
When something is rooted so deep in history, and proudly<br />
carries a legacy just short of 200 years, it sure is no easy<br />
task to do justice to the tale as it unfolds. It is best then to<br />
let the story speak for itself…<br />
Based in the Flamingo Shopping Centre, Modderfontein, near a beautiful dam,<br />
you’ll find Buonissimo! - a small Italian restaurant which, for many years, has been<br />
one of the best kept secrets of the suburb. However, with the area growing, so is<br />
the restaurant and for many it has become a household name when you are looking<br />
for authentic Italian food.<br />
The recipes are steeped in heritage and the gnocchi, ravioli, panzerotti, lasagna and<br />
tortelli are all handmade.<br />
The pizza, well, some say it is the best in Joburg.<br />
Radici profonde (Deep roots)<br />
Hanging on the wall at Buonissimo! is<br />
their first restaurant licence issued to<br />
their family, certified in Piacenza and<br />
dated 1859, just short of 200 years ago.<br />
Two generations in Italy and two in<br />
<strong>South</strong> Africa.<br />
The Schiavi family’s osteria in Emilia-Romagna’s<br />
hills is traceable back to the<br />
early 1500s when it was a horse carriage<br />
exchange up until the early 1900s.<br />
Now, let your imagination flow and<br />
take your mind back to the old Piacenza-Genova<br />
road. Imagine some local<br />
wood harvesting labourers and postal<br />
staff enjoying traditional rustic cuisine,<br />
homemade bread, cheese and wine.<br />
With this in mind you will realise that<br />
no matter which roads you travel, you<br />
will always come across somebody that<br />
will be in your life – sometimes for a<br />
season, and sometimes for a very long<br />
time and for a very good reason. And,<br />
more often than not, the best times<br />
shared with the people in your life<br />
involve good food.<br />
The lives of Giorgia Chiappini and<br />
Daniele Schiavi intersected in 1986<br />
in Salsomaggiore, Parma where both<br />
were attending hotel school.<br />
Coming from families with varied backgrounds<br />
in catering, from London to<br />
Text: CARINA VAN DER WALT. Photo: Alex Schiavi<br />
12 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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Johannesburg, it’s no surprise that the first Ristopub opening in Piacenza, in 1997,<br />
was by the newly married couple.<br />
In the early 2000s they branched out to <strong>South</strong> Africa where the Chiappini family’s<br />
famous Venezia Ristorante has been successfully trading since the mid-80s. Giorgia’s<br />
parents, Giorgio and Ivana were emigrants from the town Fidenza, Parma.<br />
Long live Nonna Ivana’s legacy<br />
Ivana is a loving wife and the mother of Corrado and Giorgia. She is also a proud<br />
chef and the beating heart of Venezia Ristorante Johannesburg for over two decades.<br />
She is described as humble, ingenious with endless knowledge and creativity. Her<br />
meticulous, respectful and strict adherence to traditions definitely is the propelling<br />
force behind the great success of the group’s iconic restaurants. Invana’s legacy will,<br />
and is living on in that of her descendants.<br />
Giorgia and Daniele’s first <strong>South</strong> African restaurant, Tiramisu, founded in 2002 in<br />
Modderfontein, serves a balanced mix of traditional pasta and pizza romana. It is<br />
a great success among the residents and the strong foundations of Buonissimo!<br />
which opened in 2011 with the participation of the whole family, including Nonna<br />
Olga and sons Alex and Cristiano.<br />
Buonissimo! is a thriving establishment pulsing with authenticity, maintained by<br />
the famiglia and driven by warm and sincere hospitality of their new partner, Shannon<br />
Meager.<br />
Fast forward to 20<strong>24</strong><br />
The restaurant industry and food is in Daniele and Giorga’s blood.<br />
‘It’s an amazing thing being able to nourish people. Good quality food, shared<br />
at the table is fulfilling in more than just a physical sense. It is human at the most<br />
fundamental level,’ explained Daniele.<br />
‘Nonna Olga’s biscotti has been a staple for many years, served with every coffee.<br />
My aunt’s recipe for our famous tiramisu has stood the test of time and our<br />
handmade ravioli, panzerotti, tortelli are all generational recipes passed down from<br />
Nonna Ivana. The list goes on,’ said Daniele.<br />
Looking back over the history that speaks of their success, one can’t but wonder<br />
what it is that makes a restaurant work.<br />
‘Sincerity and consistency. We try our best to give the utmost care to every plate<br />
served and our staff in the kitchen have been with us for many years, some since<br />
the Tiramisu days in 2002. This is unheard of but gives us incredibly consistent<br />
product and longevity.’<br />
When asked why they opt for a smaller establishment the answer came without<br />
hesitation.<br />
‘Soul. Simple as that. This is not a faceless business or establishment. It’s our dining<br />
room and we don’t serve customers, we serve guests.’<br />
What is next in line?<br />
‘Small things that may turn out big … providing nourishment to more people.<br />
Slow food served fast.<br />
A working partnership<br />
Daniele and Shannon have been friends for the best part of a decade, and, ‘it felt<br />
like a natural fit, people got us confused for a long time, often mistaking us for<br />
each other or thinking we were brothers. Our strengths complement each others,’<br />
Daniele said.<br />
Shannon has 21 years’ experience in operations for a multistore group, consulting,<br />
working abroad and much more.<br />
‘When I began my first stint in Johannesburg, opening a store in Waterfall, Daniele<br />
and I became mates pretty much at a Ferrari exhibition at Kyalami racetrack.<br />
‘I kind of became disillusioned with the restaurant space on a corporate level. I<br />
missed the intrapersonal stuff that I originally chose the industry for. Our partnership<br />
was a full circle moment for me. We toyed with the idea of partnering up for a<br />
while. I think having my baby girl was the catalyst; becoming a family man and not<br />
travelling project to project was a big consideration.’<br />
‘I love the human aspect. Breaking bread and sharing a meal and conversation is so<br />
necessary. We are social creatures and social eaters and we need to connect.<br />
Embedded in the community<br />
Shannon said, ‘We consider ourselves an epicentre for the community, our guests<br />
all know each other and Dan and<br />
Giorgia have seen children grow up<br />
here. We know most of our guests by<br />
name and they know our staff. It’s an<br />
incredibly humbling thing to have such<br />
support.<br />
‘We get involved as best we can with<br />
the schools, golf days and charity<br />
initiatives. I currently live across the<br />
road and the Schiavi family’s sons, Alex<br />
and Cristiano grow up here, working<br />
in the restaurant on the weekends. We<br />
are not trying to syphon money out<br />
of the community we are part of it.<br />
Our carpenter, bookkeeper, plumber,<br />
insurers, electrician, signage guy are all<br />
locals and guests. The kids that answer<br />
the phones for deliveries are children of<br />
guests. We participate.’<br />
OFF THE CUFF:<br />
To make a partnership work, some<br />
things must be agreed upon (or not it<br />
would seem).<br />
We ask Daniele and Shannon a<br />
couple of questions to see what they<br />
agree on or agree to disagree on.<br />
• Your favourite dish<br />
Dan: Fritto Misto<br />
Shan: Panzerotti<br />
• The best time to serve dinner<br />
Dan: 8.30pm<br />
Shan: When you’re hungry<br />
• What’s a family get together like<br />
Dan: Noisy and messy<br />
Shan: Festive with a game of cards<br />
• What do you always have in your<br />
fridge / freezer<br />
Dan: Peperonata/Limoncello<br />
Shan: Fresh fruit<br />
• *If you had to change the menu,<br />
what would be added / taken away<br />
Dan: Carbonara added, Alfredo off<br />
Shan: Amatriciana added, America<br />
pizza off (but kids love it)<br />
• Who is the best chef in your opinion<br />
Dan: Marco Pierre White<br />
Shan: Jamie Oliver, not purely as a<br />
chef but as an entrepreneur and<br />
philanthropist<br />
• If you had to serve five well-known<br />
people a meal, who would that be<br />
and what would you serve?<br />
Dan: Five Nonnas, ravioli in brodo.<br />
Shan: Siya Kolisi, Bertus Basson, David<br />
Higgs, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen,<br />
Wandile Mabaso. A national hero<br />
and four great SA chefs. The entire<br />
menu, to get incredible feedback.<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 13<br />
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Rosy hues<br />
Summer’s looking<br />
jolly pretty!<br />
Bramley Pink<br />
Blossom Tissue Oil,<br />
R29.99 from Clicks,<br />
Dis-Chem, Checkers,<br />
SPAR and PEP<br />
Morlage and Yorke<br />
Apothecary Wild<br />
Rose & Sandalwood<br />
nourishing hand and<br />
nail cream - R69.95 from<br />
morlageandyorke.co.za<br />
Diego dalla Palma Professional Body Cracker,<br />
R495 from orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />
New Summer<br />
Birkenstocks ... Arizona<br />
Birko-Flor Embossed<br />
Purple Fog. R2399,<br />
available from<br />
early November.<br />
Details: bashafrica.com<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
Ruched midi dress with slim<br />
silhouette, fully lined with<br />
internal corset detailing, - R2999<br />
from Witchery at Woolworths.<br />
14 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_014_17619468.indd 14 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:36:10
Sh’zen White Jasmin<br />
Facial Essence, R539<br />
from shzen.co.za<br />
EarthSap Wild Rose & Lavender<br />
Bath Salts, R68 from Wellness<br />
Warehouse, selected SPAR stores<br />
& health shops nationwide and<br />
faithful-to-nature.co.za<br />
Bye bye packaging waste. Just launched ... Woolworth<br />
WBeauty refillable make-up range, in eyeshadows,<br />
bronzers, powdered blushers, pressed powders and<br />
shimmer bricks, packaged recyclable in card boxes<br />
and paper sleeves. In store or from woolworths.co.za.<br />
SOiL Citrus Scented Certified Organic Shea Butter<br />
(in elegant new packaging), R135 from soil.co.za<br />
M&Y Apothecary Wild Rose<br />
and Sandalwood hand<br />
wash - R99.95 from<br />
morlageandyorke.co.za<br />
NUXE Very Rose<br />
Soothing Shower<br />
Gel, R750 from select<br />
Woolworths, Truworths<br />
& Foschini stores, and<br />
orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />
Pink Adriana heel slingbacks with twist details, R2299,<br />
and soft Romy Hobo bag with twisted handle, R1299,<br />
both from Witchery at Woolworths<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 15<br />
GIS1004_014_17619468.indd 15 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:36:25
FRAME RIGHT!<br />
Choosing the right eyewear for your face shape<br />
Choosing the right eyewear, spectacles, or sunglasses can do more than<br />
correct your vision or shield your eyes from the sun. They can enhance your<br />
overall look and complement your features. However, with so many styles<br />
available, how do you find the perfect pair for your face shape? Wesley<br />
Language from Execuspecs shares some tips and considerations to help you<br />
make the right choice when it comes to selecting eyewear.<br />
Face shapes<br />
Most importantly, you need to<br />
understand and identify the different<br />
face shapes. Each face shape has<br />
unique characteristics that can guide<br />
your eyewear selection. These are the<br />
most common categories, and the<br />
frames that suit them (or not!).<br />
Diamond<br />
Characteristics ... Narrow forehead and<br />
jawline with broad cheekbones.<br />
Best frames ... Oval or cat-eye frames<br />
balance the narrow chin and forehead<br />
while accentuating the cheekbones.<br />
Avoid ... Narrow frames that highlight<br />
the widest part of the face.<br />
Sunglasses ... Rimless, oval,<br />
and cat-eye.<br />
Round<br />
Characteristics ... Full cheeks, rounded<br />
chin, and equal width and length.<br />
Best frames ... Angular frames, such<br />
as rectangular or square, define and<br />
contrast the roundness.<br />
Avoid ... Round frames, as they can<br />
make your face appear fuller.<br />
Sunglasses ... Wayfarers<br />
16 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_016_16428459.indd 16 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:37:13
Square<br />
Characteristics ... Strong<br />
jawline, broad forehead,<br />
and square chin.<br />
Best frames ... Round or oval<br />
frames soften the angularity<br />
and provide a nice contrast.<br />
Avoid ... Angular and boxy<br />
frames that emphasise<br />
the squareness.<br />
Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />
Oval<br />
Characteristics ... Balanced proportions<br />
with slightly wider cheekbones and<br />
a gently curving chin.<br />
Best frames ... Most frame shapes<br />
work well, but rectangular or<br />
walnut-shaped frames (not too deep<br />
or narrow) are particularly flattering.<br />
Avoid ... Frames that are too large as<br />
they can disrupt the natural balance<br />
of an oval face.<br />
Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />
Heart<br />
Characteristics ...<br />
Wider forehead,<br />
high cheekbones,<br />
and a narrow chin.<br />
Best frames ..<br />
Bottom-heavy<br />
frames add width<br />
to the lower face.<br />
Rimless and lightcoloured<br />
frames can<br />
also be flattering.<br />
Avoid ...<br />
Top-heavy frames<br />
that emphasise<br />
the upper part of<br />
the face.<br />
Sunglasses ...<br />
Cat-eye, round,<br />
and Aviators.<br />
More tips ...<br />
Consider proportion Ensure the frames are proportionate<br />
to your face size. Oversized frames can overwhelm a small<br />
face, while small frames can look lost on a larger face.<br />
Bridge fit The bridge of the spectacles should fit<br />
comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding.<br />
Colour and material Choose colours and materials that<br />
complement your skin tone and personal style. Tortoiseshell,<br />
black, and metallic frames are versatile choices.<br />
Lifestyle and functionality Consider your lifestyle<br />
needs. For active wear, durable and lightweight materials<br />
are essential.<br />
Execuspecs - instore and online, have a great range of<br />
on-trend frames. Look out for their exclusive Baker range.<br />
Keeping eye health top of mind, they also have the latest<br />
optometric equipment, so have your eyes checked, too.<br />
Details: execuspecs.co.za<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 17<br />
GIS1004_016_16428459.indd 17 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:37:22
Young chef<br />
turns up the heat<br />
Born and raised in<br />
Benoni, 23-year old Matt<br />
Labuschagne enrolled at<br />
Capsicum Culinary Studio’s<br />
Boksburg campus in 2019,<br />
embarking on a three year<br />
advanced professional chef<br />
programme. He is now<br />
cooking up a storm and<br />
making a name for himself<br />
abroad.<br />
18 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
Most young graduate chefs attribute<br />
their love for cooking and baking to<br />
their mothers or grandmothers, citing<br />
a childhood brought up helping<br />
out in the kitchen or licking the last<br />
remains of cookie dough from the<br />
mixing bowl.<br />
For Matt though, it was his father Merlin<br />
who inspired him to embark on a<br />
culinary career.<br />
‘My dad loves cooking and was<br />
always the one preparing the meals<br />
on our family camping trips and at<br />
home. I remember one time he made<br />
a potjie in the middle of the desert in<br />
Namibia. Although it always looked<br />
quite relaxing for him to cook, I can<br />
see now how rewarding it was for<br />
him to feed us a delicious meal.<br />
‘My dad told me about Capsicum. It<br />
was quite close to where we lived so<br />
convenient to travel to. I went there<br />
to check it out and liked the staff who<br />
were welcoming and friendly.’<br />
And so his journey started and after<br />
just one year after enrolling, he found<br />
himself in Aspen, Colorado working at<br />
GIS1004_018_16486020.indd 18 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:38:49
the ski resort town’s renowned five-star, luxury hotel, The Little Nell.<br />
The journey begins<br />
‘My first industry placement was one of the best things to happen to me. I<br />
worked on the grill section in a crazy kitchen the size of a shoebox, cooking for<br />
600 to 800 people a day. In the beginning I was so anxious about the impending<br />
lunch service I could feel my heart thumping loudly in my chest as I made<br />
my way to work, already picturing the line of people around the block wanting<br />
to eat at the restaurant. But I knew that if I didn’t do a good job I would get<br />
reassigned to banqueting and have to brunoise (finely dice) shallots for the rest<br />
of the day.<br />
‘When Covid struck I returned home and, like everyone else, sat at home waiting<br />
for lockdown to end. When restrictions were lifted the hotel asked me to<br />
return, so I went back to The Little Nell and this time worked all the stations.<br />
‘They gave me a promotion and wanted me to stay, but I had to get back to<br />
Benoni because I still had two more years of culinary school, and my US visa<br />
was about to expire.’<br />
Dubai here Matt comes<br />
Following his return home in 2021, Matt completed the final two years of his<br />
course at Capsicum’s Pretoria campus. For his next placement he worked at<br />
a bakery in Germiston and then got a position at the acclaimed Embarc in<br />
Parkhurst.<br />
‘It was while I was there that I was contacted via LinkedIn, for a post at a restaurant<br />
called Riviera by Jean Imbert, one of the dining options at The Lana, which<br />
is Dubai’s first Dorchester Collection hotel.<br />
‘Voted Chef of the Year in 2019 by GQ magazine and considered one of the<br />
50 most influential French people in the world in the Vanity Fair rankings, chef<br />
Jean Imbert is a graduate of the Paul Bocuse School. He was also the iconic<br />
winner of the TV show Top Chef in 2012.’<br />
So what does his current position entail?<br />
‘There are two hot lines. One that looks after all the fish and meat dishes and<br />
the other that prepares the pasta orders. I am on the latter, which also involves<br />
dishes like the ratatouille tart which I really like for how technical it is to get<br />
right. The kitchen is small so each section preps everything for the dishes they<br />
make. I take care of the proteins, sauces, homemade pastas and all production<br />
on the station. I also do service twice a day for lunch and dinner and manage<br />
our inventory to ensure we have enough of everything and order whatever I<br />
need ahead of time.’<br />
What is a typical day for this young chef?<br />
‘It varies depending on the season. When we did the opening I was up at 7am,<br />
on the bus at 8:15am and at work by 9am, prepping for lunch. After lunch it was<br />
prepping for dinner, a short 20 to 30 minute break and then back for dinner<br />
service, finishing up around midnight.<br />
‘Currently it’s a lot less hectic because it’s low season, so I’m up at 8am and after<br />
a morning run or swim, I have breakfast (three eggs on a toasted sesame seed<br />
bagel, a bowl of yoghurt with granola, honey and frozen berries, washed down<br />
with a cup of coffee), then shower, dress and catch the 10:15 bus to work.<br />
‘I’ll collect my uniform from the laundry department, get changed then check<br />
to see if my orders were delivered and if there’s anything we need for the day<br />
ahead. I set up my station with all the equipment I need, switch everything on<br />
and go through my mise en place to see what I have to prep.<br />
‘I usually have to do small things before lunch, like zucchini rosettes for the ratatouille<br />
tart. Then I’ll do mise en place until lunch and when lunch starts I’ll do<br />
the service until it ends at around 3.30pm or 4:00pm, before starting my mise<br />
en place for dinner and finding out how many guests are expected.<br />
‘I’ll try and finish my prep before 6pm so I can take 30-minute breather before<br />
service starts at 6:30pm. When the dinner service ends we’ll break down and<br />
close and clean the kitchen and organise our mise en place list for the next day<br />
and check ordering again. I catch the bus home at 10.45pm or 11.45pm - depending<br />
on what time we finish – and get home to my girlfriend Gabriela and<br />
ask her how her day was,’ he said with a smile.<br />
It’s a demanding, intense job, so<br />
what does he do to relax on his<br />
days off?<br />
‘I work five or six days a week and on<br />
my days off I like to go to the beach<br />
or head out with Gabriela to Alserkal<br />
Avenue which is in the centre of<br />
Dubai and comprises of around 40<br />
warehouses, converted into galleries,<br />
dance studios, artisanal cafes and<br />
more.<br />
And where does this talented, ambitious<br />
young chef see himself in<br />
five years’ time?<br />
‘I’d like to be working as a sous chef in<br />
a Michelin star restaurant. Or maybe<br />
I’ll become an entrepreneur and open<br />
my own place,’ he laughs.<br />
We also asked Labuschagne<br />
a five fun questions:<br />
• Name five things we’d<br />
always find in your fridge?<br />
Sauerkraut, grass-fed beef,<br />
organic yoghurt with rhubarb<br />
(my favourite flavour),<br />
avocados and eggs.<br />
• What would be your last<br />
meal?<br />
A massive Wagyu Côte de<br />
Boeuf cooked on a charcoal<br />
grill.<br />
• Favourite celebrity chef<br />
and favourite cookbook?<br />
Chef - Alain Ducasse. Cookbook<br />
- Le Répertoire de<br />
sauces by Èric Trochon (shout<br />
out to Chef Etienne!)<br />
• Favourite kitchen tool?<br />
Mandolin.<br />
• If you had to cook dinner<br />
for five famous people, who<br />
would they be and what<br />
would you make them?<br />
Teddy Roosevelt, Hunter S.<br />
Thompson, Martin Luther<br />
King, Salvadore Dali and<br />
Marilyn Monroe and I’d make<br />
them a beef potjie like my<br />
Dad made us in the desert in<br />
Namibia!<br />
Text: GRANT BUSHBY. Photo: MATT LABUSCHAGNE<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 19<br />
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Sweetest cakes!<br />
Poppy Seed Cake<br />
20 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_020_17602387.indd 20 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:40:00
No garden party is complete without a sweet treat.<br />
To celebrate Garden Day on Sunday <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20,<br />
Chef Mynhardt Joubert shares three of the cakes<br />
recipes closest to his heart.<br />
Poppy seed cake<br />
‘We fell in love with this cake recipe from a very early age and it has featured<br />
at all kinds of festive occasions over the years in our family - my sister and I<br />
have adapted the recipe from the original, doubling all the ingredients to<br />
make for a sizable and deliciously moist cake. It is rich and filling and the<br />
ideal cake to present at birthdays or any occasion where the crowds have<br />
to be fed. Allow for at least a day to stand as the flavour and density of the<br />
cake only improves and gets so much better - if you can resist you will not<br />
regret it.’ Serves: 8 to 10<br />
Cake ingredients: 6 extra large eggs; 630g castor sugar; 250ml canola oil;<br />
500g double cream plain yogurt; 150g poppy seeds; 160g desiccated<br />
coconut; 350g self raising flour<br />
Icing: 100g butter, softened; 400g creme fraiche; 130g icing sugar; 10ml<br />
vanilla paste or extract; 400g good quality white chocolate, melted<br />
Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream the eggs and sugar<br />
together until light and fluffy. Add the oil and yogurt and mix through. Add<br />
the poppy seeds, coconut and flour and mix thoroughly. Divide the batter<br />
in 2 x 28cm loose bottom cake pans.<br />
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.<br />
Spread the frosting in between each layer and stack the cakes spreading<br />
the last frosting on top. Garnish with fresh roses.<br />
The ultimate Carrot Cake<br />
Carrot, coconut, date and pineapple<br />
cake with beetroot frosting<br />
‘I have been infatuated by carrot cake all my<br />
life and it has been like the search for the<br />
holy grail for me - one birthday a cake was<br />
delivered to my home - no card or message<br />
attached - the most beautiful, moist,<br />
luxurious and delicious carrot cake that<br />
you have ever tasted. It haunted me up to<br />
the point where I set myself onto a course<br />
to perfect the carrot cake of my dreams -<br />
and here it is - laden with fruit, dates, nuts,<br />
pineapple and to boot a quirky beetroot<br />
flavoured icing - I love everything about<br />
this cake ... enjoy!’ Serves 8 to 10 people<br />
Cake ingredients: 400g brown sugar; 5<br />
extra large eggs; 10ml vanilla extract or<br />
paste; 375ml canola oil; 3 ripe bananas;<br />
500ml cake flour; 5ml baking powder;<br />
10ml bicarbonate of soda; 10ml ground<br />
cinnamon; 5ml salt; 750ml grated carrot;<br />
65g desiccated coconut; 100g almonds,<br />
chopped; 170g dates, chopped; 1 tin<br />
crushed pineapple, drained<br />
Frosting ingredients: 125g butter, softened;<br />
250g cream cheese; 500g icing sugar; 15ml<br />
beetroot powder or 5ml pink colouring;<br />
10ml vanilla extract or paste; 200g white<br />
chocolate, melted; 5ml rosewater<br />
Method: Preheat oven to 160 degrees<br />
Celsius. Place the sugar, eggs, vanilla, oil<br />
and bananas in a bowl and whisk with an<br />
electric beater until the banana is mashed<br />
and the sugar has dissolved.<br />
Sieve the flour, baking powder, bicarb, salt<br />
and cinnamon together and add to the<br />
wet ingredients. Whisk until combined and<br />
add the carrots, coconut, almonds, dates<br />
and pineapple and mix through. Divide the<br />
batter into 2 x 25cm prepared cake tins and<br />
bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick<br />
comes out clean. Remove from the cake<br />
tins and let cool properly before frosting.<br />
Frosting: Whip the butter and cream<br />
cheese together until pale and fluffy. Add<br />
the icing sugar, beetroot powder, vanilla<br />
and rosewater and whip. While the frosting<br />
is whipping, pour in the melted chocolate<br />
and let the machine run until the frosting<br />
has doubled in size. Divide the frosting<br />
onto the 2 cakes and spread evenly. Stack<br />
on top of each other and place in the<br />
fridge to set.<br />
Tips: You can garnish the cake with some<br />
crushed pistachio nuts and fresh purple<br />
Parisian figs if in season. The cake keeps<br />
a good week when stored in an airtight<br />
container and improves on standing.<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 21<br />
GIS1004_020_17602387.indd 21 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:40:13
Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />
This one requires a little effort ... but<br />
it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.<br />
Basic vanilla sponge ingredients: 225g<br />
butter; 180g caster sugar; 4 large eggs;<br />
1 Tbsp vanilla paste or vanilla essence;<br />
250g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking<br />
powder optional; 1/2 tsp of salt; 100ml<br />
of full cream milk<br />
Method: Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees<br />
celsius. Grease three 18cm tins with<br />
butter and line with baking paper.<br />
Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl<br />
with a hand or stand mixer.<br />
Start adding the eggs one by one and<br />
whip until light and fluffy and add the<br />
vanilla. Sift the flour, baking powder<br />
and salt and fold gently into the batter<br />
with a wooden spoon or spatula<br />
making sure to keep the airiness of<br />
the batter. Pour in the milk and gently<br />
fold in until well combined.<br />
Bake for about 25 to 30 min until<br />
lightly golden brown and a tester<br />
skewer comes out clean. Let it cool.<br />
Butter cream icing ingredients: ½ cup<br />
unsalted butter, at room temperature;<br />
2 cups icing sugar, sifted; 2 tsp pure<br />
vanilla extract or paste; 2 Tbsp milk; 3<br />
drops food colouring<br />
Method: Whip the butter for at least 6<br />
to 8 minutes until it becomes a pale<br />
white colour - essential. Whip in the<br />
sugar for another 4 to 5 minutes then<br />
add the vanilla. While whipping slowly<br />
start adding the milk. Divide the<br />
frosting into three. Leaving one white<br />
and colouring the other two thirds<br />
with a few drops of peach colouring<br />
to attain the desired colour for the<br />
ombre effect.<br />
White chocolate cream cheese frosting<br />
ingredients: 250g of cream cheese;<br />
100g of crème fraîche; 200g of good<br />
quality white chocolate<br />
Method: Melt the chocolate in a<br />
double boiler until just soft taking<br />
care not to overheat. Whip the cream<br />
cheese and crème fraîche together<br />
and slowly start adding the melted<br />
chocolate. Spoon into a piping bag.<br />
Peach Compote Ingredients: 500g of<br />
fresh peaches sliced and chopped;<br />
100g of brown sugar; 1 tsp of<br />
corn starch<br />
Method: Place 250 g of the peaches<br />
Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />
and the sugar into a medium sized<br />
pot and bring to the boil. Let it<br />
simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and<br />
puree in a food processor or with a<br />
stick blender. Return the puree to the<br />
pot and add the remaining 250g of<br />
peaches to the pot gently warm the<br />
peaches then add the corn starch<br />
mixed with a little bit of water. Let<br />
it thicken, remove and let it cool<br />
down completely.<br />
Assembling the cake: Start by placing<br />
the first sponge onto your cake stand,<br />
pipe a third of the cream cheese<br />
frosting onto the sponge starting in<br />
the middle and working your way out<br />
making a ridge on the outer rim to<br />
contain the peach compote.<br />
Spoon a generous amount of the<br />
peach compote into the centre and<br />
repeat the first step with the second<br />
sponge. Place the third sponge on<br />
top and press down onto the cake to<br />
make sure that it is sturdy and in its<br />
correct place.<br />
Cover the cake with the white<br />
buttercream frosting with a pallet<br />
knife. Start with the darker cream<br />
cheese frosting and decorate the first<br />
bottom third of the cake, repeat with<br />
the second lighter coloured frosting<br />
for the second third of the cake.<br />
Using your pallet knife dipped into<br />
hot water start turning the cake and<br />
smoothing the layers into each other<br />
to create the ombre effect.<br />
22 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_022_17606779.indd 22 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:41:04
A few kitchen essentials ...<br />
Cod tartare with asparagus. Snaps schnapps. Gravlax two ways.<br />
And this fresh cucumber salad with nasturtiums. In Copenhagen Cult Recipes,<br />
Christine Rudolph and Susie Theodorou take you onto a journey to the<br />
heart of Copenhagen’s culinary traditions ... all very hygge ... shared tables,<br />
outside eating, simple produce like herring and salmon, pickles and<br />
mussels and rustic breads. Murdoch Books<br />
Probably the most delicious nut milk<br />
you’ll ever try ... they boast. And they’re<br />
not wrong! Giraf Macadamia Drink is<br />
the latest local milk alternative. Naturally<br />
diary free, and with no vegetable and<br />
seed oils, use in smoothies and baking<br />
... and since it froths up beautifully,<br />
to create creamy macadamia lattes<br />
and cappuccinos. It’s loaded with<br />
the goodness - macadamias are a<br />
superfood with healthy fats, essential<br />
nutrients, and antioxidants, so is a boost<br />
for your heart health, brain function,<br />
and blood circulation. There are<br />
three options ... Original,<br />
Macadamia with<br />
Oats, and<br />
Macadamia with<br />
Vanilla. You’ll<br />
find them at local<br />
supermarkets. Details:<br />
girafmacadamia.com<br />
In Love With Rome is a culinary love letter to the Eternal City.<br />
Recipes and stories compiled by Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup<br />
that just sing Summer. Frittata with ricotta and fresh herbs. Pistachio<br />
macaroons. Fried zucchine with a vinegar and mint marinade.<br />
Panzanella Italian bread salad and pasta al limone and this sharp lemon<br />
sorbet. Page after scrumptious page ... deliziosa! Hardie Grant Books<br />
We’re massive fans of HearthStone,<br />
a collection of frying pans, pots and skillets<br />
crafted from premium cast iron - a material<br />
celebrated for its durability, superior heat<br />
retention, and natural non-stick properties.<br />
With black, white and turquoise options,<br />
it’s now available online from<br />
hearthstonecookware.co.za<br />
Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 23<br />
GIS1004_022_17606779.indd 23 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:41:27
Whimsical decor<br />
This playful style offers a refreshing, joyous alternative to minimalist decor trends<br />
Text: Yael Geffen, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty<br />
In a post-pandemic world, now<br />
facing increasing global instability<br />
and turmoil, people are yearning for<br />
more lightness and fun in their lives.<br />
The constant barrage of troubling<br />
news and a sense of uncertainty<br />
have created a collective need for<br />
moments of joy and escapism. Yael<br />
Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s<br />
International Realty, says that after a<br />
period of conformity and restraint,<br />
people are eager to express their<br />
individuality and creativity, and<br />
this desire for light-heartedness is<br />
reflected in various aspects of daily<br />
life, including home decor trends.<br />
One clear manifestation of this shift,<br />
she adds, is the growing popularity<br />
of whimsical decor. In stark contrast<br />
to the minimalist and often sombre<br />
designs that have dominated in<br />
recent years, whimsical decor offers<br />
a burst of colour, creativity, and<br />
playfulness. “People are turning to<br />
vibrant hues, eclectic patterns, and<br />
quirky accessories to infuse their living<br />
spaces with a sense of cheer and<br />
individuality. This trend isn’t just about<br />
aesthetics ... it’s a deliberate effort<br />
to create environments that foster<br />
happiness and relaxation.”<br />
This trend stands out for its<br />
playful and imaginative elements,<br />
providing a sense of escape and<br />
comfort. It’s all eclectic, imaginative,<br />
quirky ... bold colours, unexpected<br />
patterns, and a mix of vintage and<br />
contemporary elements.<br />
Yael shares her tips for implementing<br />
whimsical decor effectively.<br />
Choose a focal point Start with a<br />
piece that sets the tone. This could<br />
be a statement piece of furniture, a<br />
bold piece of artwork, a vibrant rug.<br />
It should be eye-catching and reflect<br />
the spirit you want to achieve.<br />
Be bold with colours Whimsical<br />
decor thrives on bold, vibrant colours,<br />
so don’t be afraid to mix and match<br />
hues. Consider using a bright palette,<br />
balanced with neutral tones to avoid<br />
overwhelming the space.<br />
<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_0<strong>24</strong>_16433014.indd <strong>24</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:42:14
Mix patterns and textures A<br />
variety of patterns and textures<br />
add depth and interest. Mix<br />
polka dots, stripes, florals and<br />
geometric designs, and plush<br />
fabrics with metallic finishes and<br />
wooden accents.<br />
Incorporate quirky accessories<br />
Look for accessories that tell a<br />
story or evoke a sense of fun. Think<br />
vintage toys, eclectic art pieces,<br />
fairy lights, and unusual planters.<br />
Furniture with character Select<br />
pieces that stand out for their<br />
design and personality ... a<br />
brightly coloured sofa, an antique<br />
armchair, or a coffee table with an<br />
interesting shape.<br />
Embrace nature Nature-inspired<br />
elements are often a key component of<br />
this look, and indoor plants, floral<br />
motifs, and nature-themed decorations<br />
can bring a fresh, organic feel to the<br />
space. Consider hanging planters, flower<br />
vases, or even a nature-themed mural.<br />
Create cosy nooks Designate small areas<br />
for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming. Fill<br />
these spaces with comfy seating, soft<br />
pillows, and elements like fairy lights or a<br />
dreamy canopy.<br />
Innovative lighting Think chandeliers<br />
with a twist, string lights, or lamps with<br />
fun shapes and colours. Lighting can<br />
create magical ambiances that transform<br />
and elevate the mood of a space.<br />
Whimsical<br />
decor.<br />
The antidote<br />
to austerity!<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 25<br />
GIS1004_0<strong>24</strong>_16433014.indd 25 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:42:29
Indoor plant of the month<br />
There is something so summery about Peperomia<br />
Watermelon. Its rounded leaves look as crisp and cool as<br />
mini-watermelons and plants stay rounded and compact,<br />
perfect for table tops, counters and office desks. Bright,<br />
indirect light is perfect for these plants. Water when the<br />
surface of the soil feels dry but don’t let the pots stand in<br />
water. Feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month in Summer<br />
to encourage new leaves. Details: lvgplant.co.za<br />
This is the month for chilli-heads to sow some heat.<br />
Capsicums germinate best in warm soil (minimum<br />
temperature 20C) and the varieties available from seed<br />
are mind boggling. For newbies in the chilli stakes, a good<br />
variety to start with is Hungarian Hot Wax - they won’t burn<br />
your mouth to smithereens, or the mild to hot Cubanelle,<br />
Chinese 5 Colour or Shishito green chilli pepper. Only the<br />
very daring should opt for Trinidad Scorpion or Carolina<br />
Reaper. The names are a warning!<br />
To grow: Sow seed into small 10cm pots to allow seedlings<br />
to grow into sturdy plants before being transplanted into<br />
a bigger pot or into the ground. Sow two to three plants<br />
per pot. Seeds will germinate within seven to 20 days<br />
(depending on variety) and the soil must be kept moist<br />
during germination. When the first true leaves appear and<br />
are big enough to handle transplant the seedlings into<br />
bigger pots or into the soil spaced 40cm apart.<br />
Chillies need full sun, well-drained soil and regular watering,<br />
especially when flowering so that they don’t drop their<br />
flowers (which means no fruit). Most chillies grow 50 to<br />
60cm tall and the fruit should be ready for harvest within<br />
120 to 160 days.<br />
Details: kirchoffs.co.za or rawliving.co.za<br />
26 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober garden tasks<br />
• Plant new roses, Summer annuals and perennials this month.<br />
Annuals that grow quickly from seed are alyssum, cosmos,<br />
lavatera, portulaca, California poppy, and nasturtium. They<br />
all do best in full sun. • Fertilise perennials with a granular<br />
fertiliser like Vigorosa 5:1:5 or 3:1:5, and annuals with a<br />
liquid fertiliser. Use either pink or blue hydrangea food for<br />
hydrangeas. • Mow lawns at least once a week, but if it is very<br />
hot and dry mow less frequently and set blades higher • Water<br />
regularly and spread a layer of mulch over beds to conserve<br />
water and keep the roots cool. • Keep flowering roses neat by<br />
cutting off dead blooms, fertilise with a rose fertiliser by the<br />
middle of <strong>Oct</strong>ober and water deeply during hot, dry weather.<br />
Control pests with an organic insecticide like Ludwig’s Insect<br />
Spray or Margaret Roberts Organic Insecticide.<br />
GIS1004_026_17583728.indd 26 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:43:18
BLOOMING HOT<br />
It’s time to sow some heat, keep watering your plants and watch your flowers bloom<br />
We’re planting …<br />
Zinnia Zesty because it<br />
displays huge, vibrantly coloured<br />
flowers throughout Summer into<br />
Autumn. The fully double blooms are<br />
reminiscent of traditional zinnias. These sunloving<br />
plants are neat and upright, growing<br />
up to 60cm tall, and will brighten borders<br />
and mixed plantings as well as looking good<br />
in containers. Pollinators love their flowers.<br />
Plant in soil that drains well, water regularly<br />
but don’t over-water and fertilise<br />
once a month during Summer.<br />
Details: ballstraathof.co.za<br />
Text: ALICE COETZEE<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 27<br />
GIS1004_026_17583728.indd 27 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:43:33
WIN<br />
Give your home a paint-over!<br />
This month we’re getting ready for Summer. And since<br />
Summer in <strong>South</strong> Africa is all about being outdoors,<br />
we’re going to get our home’s exterior in ship shape. We’ve<br />
discovered the new and incredible Neuklad Range from<br />
Prominent Paints ... specifically crafted to endure our harsh<br />
climate, this professional-grade paint offers exceptional quality and<br />
durability, making it the perfect choice for everyone from seasoned contractors to<br />
meticulous homeowners. Available in white, pastel tint base and clear tint base,<br />
this weather-resistant range includes Neuklad Alkali-Resistant Sealer, Cool Roof,<br />
Ultra Shield, and Earth. Details: prominentpaints.co.za<br />
To celebrate the launch, we’re giving one reader a fab prize,<br />
worth R8 000 ... a chance to choose their favourite paint<br />
colours from any of the Prominent Paint ranges. Imagine<br />
the possibilities for your home! Entering is a breeze. Just<br />
head over to @getitnationalmagazines on Instagram or<br />
Facebook, find our <strong>Oct</strong>ober Spoil post, and follow the<br />
prompts. Entries close <strong>Oct</strong>ober 25, and winner will be<br />
selected from entries across all Get It platforms.<br />
28 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
GIS1004_028_39203846.indd 28 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:44:33
GET IT DIRECTORY<br />
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GDS21004_029_43503645.indd 29 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:56:57
Spread your wings<br />
Ever wanted to explore the world with a place like<br />
Thailand on your bucket list? You can make the impossible<br />
possible!<br />
Surviving tough economic times<br />
usually means putting non-essential<br />
spending on hold, but just because<br />
you’re feeling the pinch doesn’t mean<br />
you have to ignore the call of your<br />
wanderlust.<br />
With some careful budgeting, pre-planning<br />
and a bit of flexibility, you can pull<br />
off that long-awaited international trip<br />
and let your rands take you all the way<br />
to the runway.<br />
Travelling on a budget is not impossible,<br />
but it does require a little bit more<br />
legwork than a usual trip.<br />
The key is planning, planning, planning.<br />
There are many moving parts to consider<br />
when preparing for an international<br />
trip.<br />
Hidden expenses beyond your control<br />
can add up quickly. This is why<br />
pre-planning how you’re going to meet<br />
the upfront expenses that are within<br />
your control is so important.<br />
Weighing in with these six tips on how<br />
to prep like a pro, even when money is<br />
tight, is Chaiwat Tamthai, director of the<br />
Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai<br />
for the Middle <strong>East</strong> and Africa.<br />
1. Be an early bird on your flight<br />
booking<br />
When it comes to booking flights to<br />
international destinations, the earlier<br />
you can book, the better. Flight prices<br />
escalate significantly in the months and<br />
weeks leading up to the actual travel<br />
date, so when you’re travelling on a<br />
budget, it’s best to be an early bird.<br />
Apart from sidestepping exorbitant<br />
flight prices, there are also a number<br />
of added benefits. By booking early,<br />
you’ll have the chance to book the best<br />
seats, whether that’s extra legroom or a<br />
coveted window seat. Booking early will<br />
also give you a date to work towards<br />
and more time to plan all the variables.<br />
2. Book your flights but be flexible<br />
Another secret that frequent travellers<br />
bank on is inputting a flexible date<br />
range when selecting flights, or letting<br />
your travel agent know that your travel<br />
date is flexible. This could work in your<br />
favour as flights leaving on weekdays<br />
and during off-peak hours are often<br />
cheaper than those on weekends.<br />
Even if you’re not willing to budge on<br />
your departure date, you could consider<br />
choosing a return flight that’s during<br />
an off-peak time or vice versa.<br />
3. Make your visit visa-free<br />
One of the biggest hidden costs of travelling<br />
internationally is the cost of a visa.<br />
Depending on the country you choose<br />
to visit, applying for a visa could cost up<br />
to R3000, which can make a significant<br />
dent in your budget. Thankfully, there<br />
are a few countries <strong>South</strong> Africans can<br />
visit without a visa, and Thailand is one<br />
of the most popular.<br />
“<strong>South</strong> African citizens can enter<br />
Thailand for up to 30 days visa-free for<br />
tourism purposes. All you need is your<br />
passport, which must be valid for a minimum<br />
of six months, and a return ticket,”<br />
said Tamthai.<br />
4. Connect with a travel agent<br />
It’s a misconception that booking<br />
everything yourself is always cheaper<br />
than working with a travel agent. In fact,<br />
the opposite may be true. Travel agents<br />
often offer package deals that include<br />
your departure and return flights,<br />
accommodation options and even<br />
certain activities, at a cheaper rate than<br />
booking everything separately. If possible,<br />
choose a travel agent that offers<br />
payment plans on their bookings, and<br />
use credit to free up some much-needed<br />
cash.<br />
5. Cash in on free attractions and<br />
activities<br />
The best way to travel on a budget is to<br />
avoid countries with expensive tourist<br />
traps and instead, opt for a country that<br />
offers a wide range of activities you can<br />
do for free or at a nominal fee. Typically,<br />
these kinds of countries are those that<br />
have beautiful natural scenery and environments<br />
that are perfect for outdoor<br />
activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking,<br />
nature walks and bird watching.<br />
As Tamthai explained: “When it comes<br />
to activities that are very affordable for<br />
<strong>South</strong> Africans, Thailand has so much to<br />
offer. You could explore the limestone<br />
cliffs and caves of Chiang Dao, visit the<br />
Grand Palace, spend some time at the<br />
Khao Yai National Park, pop in at the<br />
Bangkokian Museum or browse the<br />
sprawling night markets.<br />
These activities will give you a<br />
well-rounded experience that includes<br />
learning a bit about Thai history, discovering<br />
some of the country’s cultural<br />
landmarks, taking in the sights and<br />
sounds of the city, retreating into nature<br />
and bartering for some souvenirs,<br />
at very little cost.”<br />
6. Eat local - street food is a winner<br />
“Everyone loves sampling traditional<br />
cuisine when travelling, but dining<br />
out can come with a hefty price tag.<br />
Although eating at a restaurant – or<br />
two – may very well be a part of the<br />
travelling experience, you can save<br />
money by occasionally eating local<br />
street food. Not only does this give you<br />
a more authentic taste of the culture,<br />
but it can also help stretch your travel<br />
budget further,” said Tamthai.<br />
If you’re in a place like Thailand, street<br />
food is readily available and is relatively<br />
cheap compared to the food you’ll find<br />
at restaurants. If you want to mix up<br />
your experience of the local food and<br />
culture, you could visit one of Thailand’s<br />
many night markets, where vendors fry<br />
ready-to-eat dishes.<br />
Text: SUPPLIED. Photos: PEXELS<br />
30 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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Going it alone<br />
Considering some alone time and looking at taking a solo<br />
holiday? These benefits may help you make up your mind.<br />
Sure, it might not be everyone’s idea of<br />
the perfect getaway, but ABTA’s Holiday<br />
Habits report reveals a definite shift in<br />
the solo direction. One in six people<br />
are now choosing to go on holiday by<br />
themselves.<br />
Once generally considered unacceptable<br />
for women and uncommon for<br />
men, modern society has evolved to<br />
embrace a diverse range of individual<br />
lifestyles and personal choices.<br />
Solo tourism has become a symbol<br />
of independence, whether it’s a local<br />
escape or an international adventure.<br />
It empowers individuals, especially<br />
women, to explore new places and<br />
enjoy different experiences unhindered<br />
by concerns of social judgment.<br />
‘The surge in solo travel reflects a<br />
broader shift in how people approach<br />
their leisure time and personal growth,’<br />
said Samantha Pillay, director of First<br />
Loyalty Plus.<br />
‘In an increasingly connected world<br />
that allows little time for uninterrupted<br />
relaxation, escaping from it all on your<br />
own allows you to disconnect and recharge.<br />
For many, going it alone isn’t a<br />
compromise, it’s a preferred choice that<br />
aligns with their lifestyle and aspirations,’<br />
she added.<br />
Five great benefits to travelling<br />
solo:<br />
1. No compromising: Holidaying<br />
alone is incredibly liberating, enabling<br />
you to do what you want to<br />
do when you want to do it.<br />
You don’t have to compromise on<br />
your destination, itinerary or activities,<br />
and there’s no debating about<br />
where to go next or how much time<br />
to spend there.<br />
Fancy spending hours in an art<br />
gallery or veering off to explore a<br />
quaint street? You call the shots and<br />
can focus on what you enjoy.<br />
2. Guilt-free time out: Relaxation<br />
and time away from a demanding<br />
daily routine to simply unwind and<br />
rejuvenate is essential.<br />
Solo holidays mean there’s less pressure<br />
to be on the go all the time. If<br />
you want to rest and spend the day<br />
at the pool or the beach, there’s nobody<br />
else to consider or to persuade<br />
you otherwise.<br />
3. See more for less: Blowing your<br />
budget on activities that don’t float<br />
your boat will frustrate you. Spending<br />
money only on what you truly<br />
want to see and do, rather than tagging<br />
along with others, will result in<br />
you being able to experience more<br />
by avoiding wasteful expenditure.<br />
If fancy restaurants aren’t your thing,<br />
but a picnic in a beautiful park is,<br />
then do that. Tick items off your own<br />
wander list!<br />
4. Personal growth: Solo travel is a<br />
life-changing experience that helps<br />
you discover who you truly are. By<br />
stepping out of your comfort zone,<br />
you gain a rare opportunity for<br />
self-reflection and become more<br />
accustomed to doing things on<br />
your own.<br />
When plans go awry, handling challenges<br />
independently also enhances<br />
your problem-solving skills, resilience<br />
and self-confidence.<br />
5. Make new friends: One of the best<br />
things about travelling solo is how<br />
easy it can be to make new friends.<br />
Solo travellers often join group tours<br />
or local events and being on your<br />
own makes it easier to bond over a<br />
shared experience. You’ll find yourself<br />
meeting new people and forging<br />
meaningful connections that<br />
might have been missed otherwise.<br />
Text: FIRST GROUP. Photos: PEXELS<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 31<br />
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Thanda Safari<br />
Luxury safaris. Big Five.<br />
Brilliant birding.<br />
With the added attraction<br />
of supporting a lodge<br />
with exceptional<br />
conservation practices.<br />
32 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
Out in the middle of nowhere, where there’s nothing as<br />
far as the eye can see bar bushes, trees, gently rolling<br />
hills and watering holes ... this is where you’ll find<br />
Thanda Safari. A private game reserve in the northern<br />
reaches of Zululand, where the Great Rift Valley meets<br />
the Lebombo Mountains, it’s home to an abundance<br />
of wildlife including Africa’s Big 5 and more than 400<br />
different bird species.<br />
It’s a destination which offers an authentic <strong>South</strong> African<br />
wildlife experience. There’s exceptional game-viewing<br />
all year, it’s a brilliant option for families, honeymooners,<br />
groups of friends, and perfect for those who are wanting<br />
something extra over and above the game drives ...<br />
think specialised bush walks, photographic safaris, and<br />
Zulu cultural tours in the rural community.<br />
The term room with a view is particularly apt here ...<br />
it’s been said that there are no bad rooms at Thanda –<br />
and we couldn’t agree more. Guests are offered a few<br />
options ... each as magnificent as the other.<br />
The Thanda Safari Lodge is a circular structure<br />
reminiscent of a traditional Zulu rondavel, with nine<br />
suites, each with a spacious lounge area, a plunge pool,<br />
a private boma and a game-viewing deck offering<br />
panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.<br />
There’s also a spa, open for all Thanda guests, housed in<br />
the heart of the Lodge.<br />
Or, for those who want to go for the ultimate in bush<br />
opulence, there’s the splendid Villa iZulu – a stunning<br />
safari hide-away for families, groups, even wedding<br />
parties, wanting privacy with their luxury. With five<br />
gloriously appointed suites and its own heli-pad, this<br />
extravagantly-sized villa, which has fenced garden and<br />
lush green lawns, is available on an exclusive-use basis.<br />
A third, super luxurious hospitality option, is The Royal<br />
Thanda Club by Thanda Safari ... where you’ll find the<br />
exclusive-use Royal Residences. Enclosed within a high<br />
security, access-controlled, estate in the central part of<br />
the reserve, these massively spacious Royal Residences<br />
sleep between eight and ten guests.<br />
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Since opening Thanda Safari some 20 years ago, it has embraced various<br />
aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Everything the<br />
team does is centred around responsible environmental development<br />
and management.<br />
The many conservation programmes have included protection programmes<br />
for the endangered Cheetah and, most importantly, the endangered Black<br />
Rhino protection programme and Elephant Breeding programmes. Other<br />
conservation initiatives include ...<br />
The identification and tracking of elephants at Thanda Safari, and the tracking<br />
and monitoring of cheetah using telemetry equipment.<br />
The identification of hyena and leopard via the use of camera traps, as well as<br />
rhino monitoring - due to rampant poaching in <strong>South</strong> Africa it is imperative<br />
that a close watch be kept on Thanda’s rhinos.<br />
Bird Atlasing - a hotspot of birdlife diversity Thanda Safari, as a member of<br />
Birdlife <strong>South</strong> Africa and an acknowledged landowner within the Zululand<br />
Important Bird and Biodiversity area, keeps detailed records of all bird species<br />
using Bird Atlasing.<br />
Rehabilitation - Thanda Safari has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation<br />
in KwaZulu Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game<br />
viewing land and re-introducing species that used to freely roam the area,<br />
including the Big Five.<br />
Vegetation monitoring - a thorough assessment is conducted annually as<br />
to the carrying capacity of the reserve, taking into account the rainfall, veld<br />
condition, grass cover and herbaceous biomass. Also habitat management -<br />
which includes a controlled burning programme, road maintenance, erosion<br />
control and alien plant control.<br />
Under the auspices of Thanda Foundation Trust, established to focus attention<br />
on the socio-economic needs of the three tribal communities surrounding<br />
affected by Thanda, there’s also a flagship Star for Life Educational programme<br />
that functions under its own NGO, the Inkanyiso and Masisambisane crèche<br />
projects, and Football for Life through the amateur football club, Thanda Lions,<br />
that uplifts local unemployed youth in sport and empowers young girls to<br />
play football.<br />
Thanda Safari has its own dedicated anti-poaching unit, wildlife team and<br />
rhino monitors and it is a founding member of Project Rhino KZN - an antipoaching<br />
collaboration with local conservation agencies and game reserves.<br />
Details: www.thanda.com<br />
<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 33<br />
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Spoil<br />
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34 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />
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